World experts to focus on issues affecting health of the ocean
Surfers, academics and politicians to discuss health of the ocean, beaches and foreshores at Global Wave Conference at Bilinga.
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SURF’S up and riding high on the agenda of Queensland Minister for Sport Mick de Brenni at next week’s Global Wave Conference 2020 on the Gold Coast.
An avid surfer himself, Mr de Brenni will be a keynote speaker opening the biannual conference which has attracted some of the world’s leading experts in ocean and beach conservation, marine research and engineering, the surfing industry and surfing legends past and present.
They will be joined at the Southern Cross University campus at Bilinga by academics and politicians to discuss issues which concern the health and wellbeing of the planet’s oceans, beaches and foreshores.
Hosted by the World Surfing Reserve Gold Coast (WSRGC) and the Queensland Government, the conference is the sixth to be held and outcomes from it could influence policymaking around the world.
The collaboration of so many like-minded people who have the common goal of preserving the health of the ocean’s beaches and surf breaks has Mr de Brenni excited about the conference.
“As someone who has a vested interest in the surf, I will be keen to hear what other countries are doing and how those concepts may be implemented here on the Gold Coast and in Queensland,” he said.
“We will be also sharing what we are doing to maintain the quality of our beaches, especially focusing on the World Surfing Reserve which the Queensland Government has been totally behind.
“It is a credit to people like Andrew McKinnon and those on the WSRGC to be able to get the Global Wave Conference here.
“I will be particularly keen to hear what Australian Olympic squad coach Bede Durbidge has to say about preparations for Tokyo.
“Queensland has such a strong connection with the Olympic team and our government is extremely supportive on developing surfing in the state.”
He said he was also to eager hear about the latest technologies being used in surfing the development and success of artificial reefs and would be taking a report back to parliament.
Mr de Brenni said he would be making a major announcement at the beginning of the conference regarding a new development between the State Government and Surfing Queensland.
World Surfing Reserve Gold Coast Chairman Andrew McKinnon said ticket sales for the conference had been strong and the early bird discount has been extended to midnight Monday for those wishing to attend.
“We will have about 100 speakers covering a wide range of issues which will concern everyone who has a connection to the beach and ocean,” Mr McKinnon said.
“However the conference, which extends over five days, is much more than just a series of lectures and workshops – there are a host of social and cultural events as well which are open to the public.
“From photographic displays to movie nights, health and activity sessions, fundraiser for the bushfire/wildlife appeals and social events including an ocean paddle out – this is an event which will be both educational, informative and a lot of fun.”
For more information and for tickets, visit www.globalwaveconferecne202.com.au
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